We will carry out an assessment of your needs. This means we will meet with you and your carer/family to discuss what you can do for yourself, what you have difficulty doing and what activities you need help with. As part of the assessment we will also discuss with you contacting your GP and other social care and health professionals, who would be able to provide valuable information.

We will tell you and your carers about the community support services that are available and discuss with you the options available to provide direct services to you and to support your carer(s). We will complete a care plan and discuss with you, whether this meets your assessed needs. We will only offer you a place in a home if we are sure you cannot stay at home safely even with a full package of services.

When the assessment is completed each case is presented to the Residential and Nursing Home Panel, which meets weekly. This panel will decide whether you meet the criteria to go into a home, what type of home best suits your needs and what level of care you will need. The panel will only agree to you going into a care home if you are in the ‘critical/substantial’ level of need as defined by the Department of Health’s ’Fair Access to Care’ guidelines. These guidelines are set by the Government and apply throughout the country. They say how we assess your care needs, judge the risks and how to decide what services to offer you. Waltham Forest only provides services to people with critical/substantial needs. Please click here to view the ’Fair Access to Care’ guidelines.

For information on categories and levels of need please click here.

Before considering a nursing home you will have your health needs assessed by the Health Service. This is called a Continuing Care Assessment. This will look at whether you need and are entitled to NHS care on the basis of your health now and in the future. A panel from Health and Social Services will decide whether you are eligible for Continuing Care. Click here for information on Continuing Care.

For all three types of care there are eligibility criteria. You must meet all conditions before we offer you the appropriate type of care. Click here to view eligibility criteria.

Other options

Extra care housing: This allows you keep your independence while offering support and community care in a supportive environment. It is based around Warden Supported accommodation and can be applied for via the Sheltered Housing panel. Social workers will assist in making applications to this panel.

Useful links

  • Commission for Social Care Inspection - Information on how to find a care home and homes inspection reports
  • Counsel and Care -  Information on care in a home, particulary paying for and choosing care homes
  • Housing Care - This site aims to help older people make decisions about where to live, and any support or care they need. It will help you maintain, adapt or improve your home or consider alternative types of accommodation that might be available e.g. extra care housing
  • Benefits and pensions
  • Age Concern Waltham Forest - Provides information, advice and home-finding services for older people. Call them on 020 8558 0455

Contact us

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